Ever wondered why you see so many people talking about networking for business? Curious as to whether or not it’s actually beneficial for your business long-term? It turns out that they’re absolutely correct, and you really should be making it a priority for your business goals in the short-term and long term. Here’s what you’re going to want to know.
Why networking is essential
What networking does
First, let’s take a deep look at what networking does. It isn’t just about “making new friends on the playground,” though many do have that impression. It’s about deciding how you want to design your business and what it is going to mean for you as the person who presents a profile out to the world. It’s not about passing around business cards to everyone, whether they ask or not, but about building quality relationships with those who could help you grow, and vice versa.
Networking comes in a variety of forms – from free local groups, online groups and paid platforms such as BNI. Either way, it’s a great way to market your small business.
Networking helps you have dependable connections
One of the main reasons that network is so important is because it helps you to have dependable connections that are, well, dependable. If you’re in a bind and you need to ask a favor of a fellow professional, the one that you’ve built a relationship with is going to be easier to reach out to than the stranger that you haven’t. Plus, you can return that favor when the opportunity presents itself. This all makes for a better professional community.
Building these relationships, having 1to1 connections allows you to better refer others to other businesses as well as them to refer business to you. It’s like an extension of your sales team, and theirs!
Networking promotes a sense of professional community
The world around you is full of hard-working professionals. When you are looking at the idea of creating a stronger business center in your city, professional community factors into this in a really big way. When you have varied connections around your business community, you will be a link in a professional chain, and the stronger that link is, the stronger the entire chain. Being part of a community will always help everyone within it feel stronger and better protected when those tough times hit. This is the very reason that communities exist, after all. Again, we are better and stronger when we work together and while we each have our own businesses, it is beneficial to help each other. Wouldn’t you rather work with a business that you personally know the staff, owner or folks that work there?
Networking gives you a professional identity
When you network properly and effectively, you’ll be making connections with those organizations that you care for, and may want to do business with. You could care for them personally or professionally or both (most often, it is a blend). It helps you to create an identity that focuses on those things that matter most to you and also presents that identity to the world in a way that they can get an idea of who you are, why they should trust you, and how much you care about those around you.
How do I network properly?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the design of proper networking, there’s no rule that says you need to do it alone! A business coach is a dependable and supportive helping hand when you’re looking for how to go about marketing your business effectively. A business coach can make suggestions based on what you care about most and guide you along the way, the steps, suggestions on where to start and keep you accountable.
Your business is going to be much more successful when you put networking into place properly and effectively. These tips will help you see just where you’ll want to focus your attention and also help you to appreciate just how much the right support can make the difference to getting you there!
Contact Team Stetzel for your business coaching needs such as networking, marketing, growth for your business, accountability and more. We can help, where you need help. Contact us at (281) 217-4951 today and let’s get started. Check out our coaching programs to get a jump start.
